Friday, December 29, 2017

241. Heather Nathans tells us about Jewish
dramas in the 19th century, especially as they relate to New
Orleans drama. Her primary areas of scholarly interest include
American theatre and drama, African American theatre, Jewish
American theatre, musical theatre, 17th and 18th century French
theatre, theatre historiography, English Restoration drama, and
directing.

This week in Louisiana history. December 30, 1791. Gov.
Carondelet takes control of Louisiana.

This week in New Orleans history. Storyland Dedication.
December 30, 1956. Storyland in City Park was filled with
Nursery Rhyme figures created by a young man who would become
the most noted Mardi Gras float builder in the city; it was
funded by an older man who owned and operated the most popular
amusement park in the south.

This week in Louisiana.
New Year's Eve in New Orleans
In New Orleans, we celebrate New Year's Eve a little bit
different from most places. Sure, we have funny hats and
noisemakers (if you want them), but we add a little pizzazz to
the occasion by ringing in the New Year our own way. For
the biggest party in the city, head down to Jackson
Square – the Quarter is packed with festive partygoers
eager to count down the time until the New Year arrives. And
because New Orleans does everything a little differently,
don’t expect your run of the mill New Years ball drop; instead
“Baby New Year” drops from its perch on the top of Jax
Brewery followed by a magnificent fireworks show over
the Mississippi. Follow the crowds to Bourbon Street and party til’ the early morning, or break away
from the group and find your own special spot to celebrate in.

Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce meets Eve the Rib busking on
Royal St.

Friday, December 22, 2017

240. Part 2 of our interview with poet laureate Jack Bedell. Jack has written nine books of poetry, and teaches
creative writing to Southeastern students. He is a native of the
Houma-Thibodaux area and joined the Southeastern faculty in
1992. In addition to teaching, he is editor of “Louisiana
Literature,” a literary journal published by Southeastern, and
serves as director of Louisiana Literature Press.

This week in Louisiana history. December 23, 1794. St. Louis
Cathedral dedicated.

This week in New Orleans history. Wirthbru Beer was "created
for New Orleans and the South" "Weigelstyle" (on the label)
apparently refers to the Weigelwerk equipment used in the
brewery which was, in fact, cutting edge in its day, allowing
for quality control to produce a consistently good
product.

This week in Louisiana.
Annual Greening of the Museum
December 1st, 2017 - December 25th, 2017
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
3015 Greenwood Rd.,
Shreveport, LA 71109
318-632-2020
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
Each year Louisiana State Exibit Museum invites third grade
students from Caddo Parish schools to the museum for a day of
holiday celebration. Students enjoy the traditional tree
decorating contest in which classes from each school will
decorate a tree in the years' theme with ornaments they have
constructed in art class. After decorating their tree,
students will enjoy a performance. The morning ends with the
announcement of the holiday tree contest winners. The museum
holiday tree and the students'trees will remain on display
throughout the holiday season.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

239. Part 1 of our interview with Jack Bedell, Louisiana's new Poet
Laureate. Jack has written nine books of poetry, and teaches
creative writing to Southeastern students. He is a native of the
Houma-Thibodaux area and joined the Southeastern faculty in
1992. In addition to teaching, he is editor of “Louisiana
Literature,” a literary journal published by Southeastern, and
serves as director of Louisiana Literature Press.

This week in Louisiana history. December 16, 1935. Huey P.
Long Bridge at New Orleans dedicated.

This week in New Orleans history. Beloved writer, cook,
broadcaster, and lover of New Orleans,
Frank Joseph Davis passed away on December 9,
2013. He served New Orleans television station WWL-TV and its
radio affiliate WWL-AM, from 1974 until his health-related
retirement in 2011. Davis authored several cookbooks and other
reference guides to the cuisine of New Orleans and to South
Louisiana seafood. His culinary legacy included "bronzing," a
toned-down version of blackening. He invented the "Strictly
N'Awlins" series of seasonings. Davis's culinary papers were
donated to the Southern Food and Beverage (SoFab) Culinary
Library and Institute subsequent to his death.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

238. Part 2 of our interview with Omar el Akkad.
American War
is the first novel by Canadian-Egyptian journalist Omar El
Akkad. It is set in a near-future United States of America
ravaged by climate change in which a second Civil War has broken
out over the use of fossil fuels. The story is told by Benjamin
Chestnut about his aunt Sarat, and is told through narrative
chapters interspersed with fictional primary documents collected
by the narrator.

This week in Louisiana history. December 9, 1872. PBS
Pinchback became first (& so far only) black governor of
Louisiana.